Nick’s Fishing Tip of the Week: Spotted Hake

Although it may sound ridiculous, why not try for something different and target these spotted hake that are being caught in Corson’s Inlet, by the Route 52 Causeway as well as off the Ocean City beachfront? Hake are great in the frying pan and can be caught easily using size 1/0 octopus hooks adorned with clams, squid or bunker bits. A simple bottom rig will fit the bill, and you can even tip the hooks with bits of Berkley Gulp! to give you an edge. Though spotted hake rarely ever get larger than a quarter-pound hot dog, they are ranging up to 2 pounds and can provide decent fillets.

About Nick Honachefsky

Nick Honachefsky is an international fishing and travel writer. He has fished in over 20 countries around the world, swam with live sailfish, wrestled a 150-pound blue shark in open water and currently is IGFA World Record holder for the bergall - a "trash fish". He also regularly contributes to Saltwater Sportsman, Sport Fishing, ESPN.com.

2 Responses to Nick’s Fishing Tip of the Week: Spotted Hake

I believe I caught a spotted hake it looks exactly like images ive seen on the internet with a 2/o circle sea hook using squid from 7-11 and I caught it off the oceanview fishing pier in Norfolk, va last week. I was wondering if there was anyway you could help me to identify it if im correct with it being a spotted hake.

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About the Authors

Adam Monacelli
Adam is an avid fresh and saltwater angler who fishes from Key West to Martha's Vineyard but can usually be found stalking stripers along the Jersey coast. He lives in Hammonton, NJ with his wife and two sons. E-mail Adam
or follow him on Twitter at @cp_AdamM

Nick Honachefsky
Nick is an international fishing and travel writer. He has fished in over 20 countries, swam with live sailfish, wrestled a 150-pound blue shark in open water and has held the post as managing editor of Salt Water Sportsman magazine. He also regularly contributes to Sport Fishing, ESPN.com and Marlin. E-mail Nick

Adam Mihara
Adam is a freshwater specialist with a vast knowledge of everything from live bait fishing to fly fishing. He tournament fishes for bass in the mid-Atlantic region and is always willing to help a fellow angler whether it's getting started or discussing advanced techniques. He is currently sponsored by Alluring Baits. E-mail Adam

Dean Payne
Dean is a longtime outdoor writer with a true passion for hunting & fishing in the tri-state area. He offers Fishheaders a national perspective on the outdoors as well as his favored morsels of fish & wildlife wackiness. E-mail Dean